Lead Defined

Lead is extremely poisonous metal which is used for many centuries for manufacturing products found at home. Even though there are many sources of lead, one of the most common worry is the lead-based paint in many traditional homes. The federal government stopped the use of lead-based paint in residential housing in 1978, and other states have also prohibited the use of lead earlier.

The Dangers of Lead

Lead is a hazardous substance, particularly for young children. Lead can penetrate the body when you put your hand and other things that have lead dust in your mouth. Lead can also enter your body when you unconsciously eat paint chips or from the soil that has lead, or breathes in lead dust, particularly in property renovation projects.

The infants and young children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning since they always place their hands or other things in their mouth. Their growing young bodies can also absorb more lead, and their brains and nervous systems are more susceptible to the destructive effects of lead.

If they are not discovered earlier, the children with high levels of lead will suffer from:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Behavior and learning problems
• Headaches

Even though adults are less vulnerable to lead poisoning compared to children, they can still suffer from:

• Hypertension
• Memory and focus problems
• Difficulties during pregnancy period
• Nerve disorders
• Digestive problems
• Muscles and joint pains
• Other reproductive problems for men and women

Where can Lead be Found?

Generally, the older your home is, the more chances that it was applied with lead-based paint. Other places and activities where lead can be found are drinking water, on the workplace, soil, and in some hobbies.

Protecting your Family and Home from the Dangers of Lead

If you think that your home has lead in it, or if any of your family members has been expose to lead, here are some steps you can follow to ensure their protection:

• Have your children’s lead levels be measured through a blood test
• Contact a reliable expert to evaluate the lead content of the paint in your home and/or determine the potential risks of severe exposure to lead.

Obtaining Legal Assistance

If you or any of your family members have suffered from any of the symptoms or rare medical conditions that might be associated with exposure to lead, you must seek medical attention. And if you have some objects that have lead, or if you are worries that you and your family were exposed to lead in your home, you may want to find for an experienced lawyer to discuss your options and safeguard your rights to legal remedy for any injury sustained which is caused by lead exposure.